The Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) remains a popular budget smartphone years after its release, and its robust design and maintainability make it a great choice for self-maintenance β whether itβs battery replacement, dust cleaning, or charging connector repair. But disassembling the device has its own nuances: a glued back cover, brittle plumes, and obscure latches can turn a simple procedure into a nightmare for a beginner.
In this guide, we will examine the entire process in detail - from tool preparation to motherboard extraction. You will learn how to avoid common errors (such as damage to a flexible fingerprint scanner cable), which hidden screws are easy to miss, and how to properly unplug plumes without a special mediator. 4X, including versions 2/16 GB, 3/32 GB and 4/64 GB memory.
Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. Xiaomi Redmi 4X is not one of the most difficult to disassemble smartphones, but without the right tools, the risk of damaging the device increases significantly.
- π§ Plastic spatula (mediator) or set for opening smartphones - to separate the cover without scratches.
- βοΈ The screwdriver. PH00 (magnetic) - screws in Redmi 4X petty.
- π± Suction (optional) - helps to slap the cover if the glue is too strong.
- π₯ Hair dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue (temperature not higher than 60)Β°C!).
- π§² Magnetic mat or container β so as not to lose screws and small details.
Important: If you're disassembling a battery replacement phone, pre-order the original 4100 mAh battery (MB-BL4100FC) -- cheap ones often have understated capacity and can swell in a few months. Also prepare isopropyl alcohol (90%+) -- which is useful for cleaning contacts from oxidation.
β οΈ Warning: Do not use metal tools to slap the lid! Redmi aluminum frame 4X easily scratched, and the fingerprint scanner plume is located close to the edge - it can be torn by careless movement.
Before disassembly it is necessary:
Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-map
Remove the cover and protective film (if any)
Reduce the battery to 20-30% (for safety)
Make a backup of the data (in case of errors)
Prepare a workplace with good lighting-->
Step 1: Removing the back cover
The most important step is to separate the back panel. In the Xiaomi Redmi 4X, it is glued around the perimeter, and also fixed by two latches at the bottom (near the Micro-USB connector), If you pull the lid by force, you risk breaking the fingerprint scanner plume or tearing off the antenna contacts.
Algorithm of action:
- Heat the edges of the cover with a hair dryer (hold at a distance of 5-7 cm, temperature - up to 60 Β° C) for 1-2 minutes. This will soften the glue.
- Insert a plastic blade into the gap between the lid and the frame at the bottom (near the charging connector). Carefully swipe it along the side faces, gradually separating the lid.
- As soon as the lid begins to succumb, do not pull it sharply - raise it by 1-2 mm and warm up the problem areas again with a dryer.
- After the full separation, remove the lid and put it aside, and be careful, it's got a fingerprint scanner plume glued to it!
If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't put too much effort into it. The glue is probably too strong, warm it up again, or use a sucker for initial suction, and at the very least, you can gently swipe the blade (but not the knife!) across the seam to cut the glue.
What to do if the lid is cracked?
After removing the cover, you will see:
- π Battery with connected connector.
- πΆ Antenna modules (do not touch them unnecessarily!).
- πͺ 10 screws fixing a metal plate over the motherboard.
- π± Fingerprint scanner plume (stick to the cover).
Step 2: Disconnect the battery and remove the metal plate
Before you continue, be sure to turn off the battery, which will prevent short circuits from accidentally touching the contacts. In the Redmi 4X, the battery connector is located at the top and closed with black insulation tape.
Instructions:
- Carefully tuck the tape with a nail or tweezers and remove it.
- With a plastic spatula, grab the battery connector (white connector) and gently pull it upwards. Don't pull the wires!
- Make sure the connector is completely out of the nest β sometimes it sticks.
Now you can take out a metal plate that covers the motherboard, and it's attached to 10 screws of different lengths -- remember or take a picture of their location, so you don't get confused when you build them. The screws around the camera and the Micro-USB connector are shorter than the others!
| Type of screw | Number of | Location. | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cross (PH00) | 8 | Perimeter plate. | 3 mm |
| Cross (PH00) | 2 | Near the camera and USB connector | 2 mm |
Once all the screws are removed, the plate may not be removed, but the latches hold it, and you may want to gently shovel it on either side and lift it, and you may not make any effort if you feel resistance, and you may want to see if all the screws are twisted.
Yes, many times.
1-2 times I tried it.
No, it's my first experience.
I prefer to give it to the service.-->
Step 3: Removing the motherboard
The Redmi 4X motherboard is fixed to 4 screws and multiple latches, and all the plumes and connectors must be disconnected before they are removed, and here is a list of them (in order of shutdown):
- The display plume (the widest, at the top of the board).
- The plume of the touch layer (thin, next to the display plume).
- The tail of the front camera and sensors (a small black connector).
- The loop of the on/volume button (on the right side of the board).
- Antenna connectors (2 pieces, gold color).
To detach the plumes, use a plastic blade or a special mediator for the plumes. Push the connectors from the side, not from the top, so you avoid damaging the contacts. The antenna connectors are removed with tweezers: carefully pull them up, holding them by the metal body.
After you turn off all the plumes, you can unscrew the 4 screws that lock the board (2 at the top and 2 at the bottom). Now you can gently raise the charge over the edge. If it doesn't come out, check:
- π All connectors are disabled (especially antennas!).
- πͺ Are there any hidden screws under the stickers.
- π§² Is the heater not adhesive (it happens after overheating).
β οΈ Attention: At Redmi 4X There's a vibrating motor hidden under the motherboard. Don't pull the board abruptly -- first make sure it doesn't cling to the body. If the motor's still in the phone, carefully remove it with tweezers.
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If the board is not taken out because of the heat paste, don't try to tear it off. Put your phone in the freezer for 10-15 minutes, the paste will harden and will stand up on its own.
Step 4: Replace the battery (Step-by-step)
The battery in Xiaomi Redmi 4X is glued to the body with double-sided tape, which will require patience and accuracy to replace.
- If you havenβt turned off the battery, do so now (see Step 2).
- Find a black pull-tab under the battery, if it's not there, gently tuck the battery in with a plastic blade from any end.
- Pull the tape slowly and evenly. If the resistance is too strong, warm up the battery with a hairdryer (maximum 60Β°C!) and try again.
- After the battery is removed, clean the case of glue residues with isopropyl alcohol. The new battery should lie flat, without gaps.
- Stick the new battery onto double-sided tape (e.g. 3M 9448A) or use B-7000 glue. Don't overdo it - excess glue can get into the contacts!
Important: When installing a new battery, make sure that the connector matches polarity. In the Redmi 4X, it is asymmetrical, so it is difficult to insert it incorrectly, but it is better to be safe. Also make sure that there are no foreign objects (screws, glue pieces) under the battery.
After the battery is replaced, it is recommended to calibrate the charge controller.
- Charge the phone to 100%.
- Turn off charging and use the device until completely discharged (off).
- Charge again to 100% without interruption.
π‘
Don't use metal tools to remove the battery! The risk of a battery puncture will lead to fire or explosion. If the tape breaks, warm up the battery and only pop it with a plastic blade.
Step 5: Disassemble the front panel (display and sensor)
If you need to replace the display module or touchscreen, you will have to disassemble the front of the Redmi 4X, which is more complicated than replacing the battery, since it requires work with fragile plumes and adhesive joints.
Procedure:
- Remove the metal frame around the screen, it's mounted on the latches and glue, warm it up with a hair dryer (60Β°C) and gently shovel it around any corner.
- Disconnect the display and sensor plumes (see Step 3). Be careful - they are very thin!
- Heat the screen around the perimeter (especially in the corners) and suction it with a suction cup. Insert plastic separators (or guitar mediators) between the screen and the frame to prevent the glue from sticking back together.
- Pull the screen upwards slowly and evenly, and if you feel resistance, warm up the problem area again.
At Redmi. 4X The display module and the touch glass are glued together, and if you just need to replace the glass, you need a special glue to make it work. OCA-filmmaking and experience with LOCA-It's easier for a beginner to buy a full display module assembled (article) 2106000008 permission-based 720Γ1280).
β οΈ Warning: When disassembling the front panel, it is easy to damage the flexible home button cable (if physical) or fingerprint scanner plume. If the button or sensor fails after assembly, check the integrity of these elements.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Xiaomi Redmi 4X. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Sharply ripping off the cover without heating | Fingerprint scanner plume broken | Warm up with a hair dryer and use a plastic spatula |
| Confused screws during assembly | Short circuit or damage to board | Put the screws in groups or photograph their location |
| Use of metal tools | Scratches on the frame, battery puncture. | Work only with plastic or wooden blades |
| Undisconnected battery when working | Burnout of the power controller | Always disconnect the battery first thing. |
Another common problem is that the sensor is broken after assembly, and this is usually related to:
- π Insufficiently inserted sensor plume (check if the connector is clicked).
- π¦ Getting moisture or dirt on contacts (wipe with alcohol).
- π§ Damage to the plume during disassembly (replacement is needed).
If the phone does not turn on after replacing the battery, check:
- π Correct connection of the battery connector (do not confuse polarity!).
- πͺ Are all screws in place (lack of screw can cause a circuit).
- π± Integrity of antenna connectors (sometimes they depart when the board is removed).
Build the phone: reverse order and check
To assemble Xiaomi Redmi 4X need in reverse order, but with some nuances:
- Before installing the motherboard, check that all the plumes are connected correctly and fixed with latches.
- Screw the screws cross-cross (like the wheels of a car) to avoid skewing the plate.
- When installing the battery, make sure it lies flat and does not arch.
- Press the back cover first with your hands around the perimeter, and then warm up with a hair dryer (50Β°C) for better bonding.
After assembly, perform a check:
- Connect the charging and make sure that the charging is underway (the indicator should burn).
- Turn on your phone and check the sensor, buttons, cameras and speakers.
- Test the fingerprint scanner (if you have one in your model).
- Call your phone to make sure the microphone and speaker are working.
If something's not working, don't panic. Go back to the appropriate disassembly step and check:
- π Connecting plumes (especially the display and sensor).
- πͺ Tighten the screws (but don't pull over!).
- πΆ Circuit (sometimes they are removed during assembly).
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After assembly, let the phone lie down for 1-2 hours before turning on, which will allow the glue under the lid and battery to permanently fix and avoid distortions.